October 2026 Roundup: Hills, Hollers, and Highways
In this issue: new faces at the Craft Guild, racing to save WNC’s barn quilt trails, plus highlights from our fall road trip and community workshop.
This month, ArtsvilleUSA Editor Morgan Laurens and I hit the open road to experience Western North Carolina’s arts and crafts scene at its peak. Our first stop was the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville, where we practiced painting barn quilt squares in preparation for our workshop. There, participants gathered to revive this beloved folk art and share the stories behind their designs. Next, we explored the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands and finally met new members from our latest partner exhibition in person. In downtown Marshall, we visited the Old Marshall Jail—ceramicist Josh Copus’ historic renovation and community storytelling project—and saw Save This Piece, Lauren Rutten’s photographic response to the town’s resilience following Hurricane Helene. Our road trip ended with a drive through the fall foliage to WNC's westernmost edge, where we discovered the creative ingenuity powering the Dillsboro Creative Arts Center and enjoyed the latest exhibition at the Museum of the Cherokee People.
Perhaps most touching was our visit with Lillian and Sugar Bear Rumsey, Haywood County heritage keepers featured in our barn quilt exhibit at the Ferguson Family YMCA. The story behind their quilt is just one of many remarkable family histories we’re committed to preserving as we work to sustain and support barn quilt trails throughout WNC.
We invite you to become part of this story: Sign up for notifications about upcoming barn quilt workshops in your area, volunteer to drive and report on trail sites, or adopt a barn quilt along the historic routes. Even a $15 gift helps keep our community photographers on the trail, documenting this living history.
This work—and this season—are all about celebrating the rich craft heritage and unique arts community we share. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this story, and we’re deeply grateful to donors and subscribers like you for making it possible.
Southern Highland Craft Guild New Members Exhibition
The Guild’s annual showcase introduces 39 newly juried members, whose ceramics, jewelry, and woodwork offer a window into the region’s evolving craft scene.
See the exhibition here.
Legacy at Risk: The Uncertain Future of Western North Carolina’s Barn Quilt Trails
How ArtsvilleUSA’s Marks of Our Heritage program is racing to save the stories and traditions behind WNC’s barn quilt trails before they’re lost forever.
Learn more about the project here.
Community Barn Quilt Workshop Weaves New Stories Into Old Traditions
Barn quilts become living canvases as Western North Carolina artists and neighbors gather to revive the beloved folk art and share their own stories.
Discover the workshop designs here.
News + Notes From Asheville and Beyond
Here’s where we share quick craft bites for busy hands and hungry minds. This month: a spooky Southern Gothic show, pint-sized works from theHaywood County Arts Council, plus Appalachian ghost stories and mountain lore at Hilloween.
Exhibitions
- Small Works 2026 | Haywood County Arts Council | Nov. 4 - Dec. 31, 2026
The Haywood County Arts Council hosts its annual Small Works exhibit, showcasing art pieces no larger than 12x12 inches along with handcrafted ornaments by member artists. The show highlights creativity in compact forms, making it a great destination for unique gifts and seasonal décor, and a perfect complement to HCAC’s Holiday Market on Nov. 27. More info here. - Southern Highland Craft Guild New Members Exhibition | Open Indefinitely | ArtsvilleUSA Digital Magazine
ArtsvilleUSA is proud to announce a virtual showing of the Southern Highland Craft Guild New Members Exhibition. Available at ArtsvilleUSA.com, the virtual exhibition complements the in-person event by offering an interactive platform to explore the work and stories of the 39 newly juried Guild members. See the in-person exhibition at the Folk Art Center through January 20, 2027, or view the virtual exhibition here. - Southern Gothic | November 6 - Open Indefinitely | NOT REAL ART Digital Magazine
Experience the slow creep of kudzu vines in Southern Gothic, our sister organization’s November exhibition featuring WNC artists Deborah Anderson and Rachel David. See it on NOT REAL ART starting November 6. - Body of Work | Open Indefinitely | ArtsvilleUSA Digital Magazine
ArtsvilleUSA’s fall exhibition, Body of Work, explores the joys and burdens of the corporeal body, reflecting on what slips away and exalting what endures. Curated by Elise Wilson, the show features evocative works that blur boundaries between presence and absence, beauty and dissolution. See it here.
Events
- Hilloween | Old English Inn, Mitchell County | Oct. 29 - 30, 2026
This year, WNC’s favorite spooky festival offers two free evenings of Appalachian ghost stories, murder ballads, spooky old songs, and mountain lore at the Old English Inn. The event will also feature the unveiling of the Hilloween Crankie, a hand-cranked moving panorama that brings an Appalachian story to life through images and live music. Listen to our interview with founder Gina Phillips, then find more info about this year’s event here. - Weaverville Art Safari | Weaverville | Nov. 7 - 8, 2026
One of Asheville’s longest-running studio tours offers visitors a chance to explore local artists’ studios and discover works in pottery, glass, jewelry, painting, and more. This self-guided tour also provides an opportunity for participants to meander through beautiful Weaverville. Learn more here. - BOOM BOOM BARNS | Warren Wilson College | Nov. 14, 2026
This free, all-ages event transforms historic barns into immersive art installations and performance spaces. Features music, dance, and multimedia light shows, in partnership with the WWC Art & Craft Department and The Center for Working Lands. Learn more here.
ArtsvilleUSA in the News
“Craft exhibition to showcase new Guild members”— Biltmore Beacon
“Take a closer look at WNC’s disappearing barn quilt tradition”— Biltmore Beacon
Special Thanks to Our Partners
All images published with permission of the artist(s); featured artwork: Joshua Wattles.